The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are from 2017 and cannot run iOS 17 or later, so Wi-Fi problems on them are often caused by a router that has moved on. Test another device first, then turn Wi-Fi off and on, restart, and forget and rejoin the network. These phones support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), so a router in a Wi-Fi 7-only or WPA3-only mode may not accept them; use a mixed mode with WPA2. Check Private Wi-Fi Address and Low Data Mode, and update to iOS 16 if you have not. Reset Network Settings is the last software step. If the phone shows no networks, the Wi-Fi hardware may have failed.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPhone 8 and SE family will not connect to Wi-Fi or keeps disconnecting”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The router or provider
What separates it All devices fail
How to confirm Restart the modem and router
- 2
A stale saved network
What separates it Only the iPhone fails
How to confirm Forget and rejoin
- 3
A router mode the phone cannot use
What separates it Fails on WPA3-only or new modes
How to confirm Use WPA2 and a standard channel
- 4
Privacy settings
What separates it Joined but no internet
How to confirm Check Private Wi-Fi Address
- 5
A hardware fault
What separates it No networks
How to confirm Contact Apple
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether other devices work
- The router's security mode
- Your iOS version
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedTest another device
ReversibleCheck another device.
Toggle and restart
ReversibleTurn Wi-Fi off and on and restart.
Forget and rejoin
ReversibleForget the network.
Check the router mode
ReversibleUse WPA2.
Reset Network Settings
ReversibleAs a last step.
Check the 5 GHz band
ReversibleUse the 5 GHz network name if your router offers it.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Software
- The iPhone 8 family ended at iOS 16.
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0.
- Battery
- An old battery can cause erratic behavior; check Battery Health.
- Network reset
- If Wi-Fi fails, forget the network, restart the phone and rejoin. Then reset network settings in Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, Reset Network Settings. This clears saved networks and often cures a stubborn fault.
- Router compatibility
- An old phone can trouble with a router in Wi-Fi 6 only mode. Use mixed mode, and try the 2.4 GHz band if the 5 GHz connection fails at a distance.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If Wi-Fi is grayed out after resets, contact Apple
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Settings, VPN, router, network reset and ISP steps.
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus batteries, LCD displays, A11 chip, IP67, Qi charging and iOS support.
SE 2 battery, A13 chip, Wi-Fi 6, IP67, 18W fast charging and iOS 27 support.
SE 3 battery, A15 chip, Wi-Fi 6, IP67, 18W fast charging and iOS support.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the iPhone 8 support 5 GHz?+
Yes, Wi-Fi 5.
Why can't my iPhone 8 join my new router?+
The router may be set to WPA3-only. Use WPA2 mixed.
Can I update an iPhone 8?+
To iOS 16, the last version it supports.
Is it worth repairing Wi-Fi on an iPhone 8?+
Usually not; a repair can cost more than the phone is worth.
Why does the iPhone 8 say Weak Security?+
The network uses an old security type. Update the router.
Why is my iPhone 8 slow on Wi-Fi?+
It supports Wi-Fi 5 and an older chip. Use the 5 GHz band and sit near the router.
Can I use a VPN on an iPhone 8?+
Yes, but a VPN can slow Wi-Fi. Test with it off.
How do I reset only the Wi-Fi on an iPhone 8?+
Forget the network; Reset Network Settings resets all network settings.
Does iOS 16 still get security updates?+
Updates for old iOS versions are limited, so be careful on public Wi-Fi.
Why does the iPhone 8 drop Wi-Fi in standby?+
Power-saving behavior or a router setting may be the cause. Check the router's sleep settings and update iOS.
Why does my iPhone 8 connect and then disconnect?+
A router channel or power-saving setting can cause it. Forget and rejoin, update the router and try the 5 GHz band.
Does the iPhone 8 support Wi-Fi calling?+
Yes, if your carrier does. Check Settings, Phone, Wi-Fi Calling.
Can I speed up Wi-Fi on an old iPhone?+
Use the 5 GHz band, sit closer and close background apps; the phone's older chip is the limit.